BREAKING! Council Left in the Dark with Seismic Testing starting Monday in Lake Macquarie

Centennial Coal will begin seismic testing and drilling in the basin of Lake Macquarie on Monday the 3rd of February with the aim of opening it up for further mining. 

The project includes;

• A shallow marine survey of the lake.
• A rockhead drilling programme which will see multiple boreholes drilled from a barge to confirm the depth and thickness of the strata between the Lake floor and the coal seam.
• An exploration drilling programme with selected boreholes drilled to the coal seam to investigate the continuity and quality of the coal seam. 

Community concern has been raised as similar testing is usually carried out in deep ocean waters, however some areas of the lake are just 11 meters deep. 

Lake Macquarie Council says staff only recently received notification from Centennial Coal regarding the survey program and they did not have an approval role in the proposed survey works or the environmental  assessment of the project. 

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is the determining authority for the proposal. 

Lake Macquarie Council says, "We acknowledge the concerns within the community about the adequacy of consultation by Centennial Coal prior to the survey being approved, and the potential impact to sea animals and the marine environment" 

The Council have sought further details on the environmental assessment for the project, as well as arranged for Centennial Coal to brief Council staff on the proposed works.

Local Greens MP, Abigail Boyd says, “There’s been no meaningful consultation. No notice. Nothing.” 

“And it won’t just be seismic testing – there are plans to drill the lake floor over the coming five years.

“The lake is already contaminated by lead and zinc, caused largely by the coal industry, which has already impacted on fishing quotas. By disturbing the lake sediment, this proposal risks spreading the impacts of that contamination further," she said. 

“The environmental report states clearly that the seismic testing will have harmful impacts on marine life, including turtles, dolphins and already threatened seagrass beds which are critical habitat."

Centennial Coal is due to release a statement. 

                                       Image Courtesy: 

Two Men Arrested Following Public Place Shooting in Cessnock

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

Two men will face court today following an investigation into a public place shooting in Cessnock earlier this week.

Around 3am on Wednesday the 29th of January, police were called to Mills Crescent, following reports of shots fired.

Following inquires, Hunter Valley Police stopped a Holden Commodore sedan with four men exiting the vehicle, two allegedly fleeing the scene by foot.

The two remaining men were arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station but were released later that day, pending further inquiries.

The two other men, aged 27-year-old and 21-years-old were later arrested and refused bail to face Cessnock Local Court today. 

Both men were charged with fire firearm at dwelling with disregard for safety, fire firearm in a manner likely to injure persons/property, possess loaded firearm in a public place and destroy/damage property.

Cessnock MP Says Firefighter Compensation Scheme Hasn't "Met His Expectations"

BY DAKOTA TAIT

State Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr, has encouraged local firefighters to apply for financial assistance through the Volunteer Firefighter Payment Scheme, but admits the government's support hasn't met his expectations.

Although the scheme was announced in late December, volunteers with the RFS and SES have only been able to apply for financial aid from mid-January, with Mr Barr suggesting the scheme has come a month too late and is attached to too much complicated paperwork.

Mr Barr says the scheme may also leave many fireys shortchanged, and claims the $6,000 cap on compensation will only reimburse about 20 days of lost income for volunteers who may have been fighting fires for months.

Mr Barr says any firefighters in the Cessnock electorate who have been told they are ineligible for compensation should get in touch with his office.

"Firefighters have been so heavily relied on and called upon in our community over recent months, and we need them to recover financially, as well as emotionally and physically," Mr Barr said.

Volunteer firefighters can apply for assistance and access more information regarding the Volunteer Firefighter Payment Scheme here.

Cessnock MP, Clayton Barr

Man Faces Court After Prohibited Weapons Found At Two Lake Macquarie Homes

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has faced court on weapons and drugs charges following raids on two Lake Macquarie homes.

Around 7.00am on Thursday, officers went to a home on Newport Road at Cooranbong and spoke with a 55-year-old man.

A search of the property allegedly uncovered a pistol, ammunition and methylamphetamine. Police also seized a vehicle, a motorbike, NSW police insignia, knuckle dusters, a baton and home made weapons.

Officers also went to a home on Bushells Ridge Road at Wyee where it's alleged further prohibited weapons, ammunition, drug paraphernalia and vehicles believed to be stolen, were found.

The man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with nine offences, including possess prohibited weapon, supply prohibited drug, unauthorised handle explosives, possess ammunition without permit and breaching a weapons prohibition order.

He faced Toronto Local Court where he was refused bail to re-appear next Tuesday February 4.

Police expect to lay further charges.

Some of the weapons recovered during raids on home at Cooranbong and Wyee

 

 

Mother of Missing Man Steven Fenwick Questions Girlfriends Recount of Events

The Mother of Steven Fenwick, who went missing from Fern Bay 12 months ago is skeptical of the version of events provided by his then girlfriend Samantha Melville, who was the last person to see Mr Fenwick alive. 

The last confirmed sighting of Mr Fenwick, was of him and Ms Melville getting off a bus at Fern Bay at around 1pm on the 30th of January.

Ms Melville told police she and Mr Fenwick had been at their friend Beccy Lane's home, until about 2:30am on January 31st and had walked to an oval in Stockton, where she left Mr Fenwick while she went to visit a near by house. 

"I was only half an hour and left," she told AAP via Facebook.

"That's when I tried calling Steven only to find out his phone was off."

Mr Fenwick's mother, Debbie Fenwick, told the AAP the couple had only been dating for around two months when her son disappeared. 

"I have never met her and I didn't know of her," Ms Fenwick told AAP.

"Steven usually brings his girlfriends home and I'd met every single one of them."

"Samantha said she left him and he went off by himself (but) he would never leave a girl by themselves - ever."

Some of Mr Fenwick's clothes and possessions were found in the dunes of Stockton Beach.  

Police say it is extremely unlikely he would go swimming there at night and alone, as his uncle drowned nearby.

"If people were with him he would go into the water at other beaches - but definitely not at Stockton Beach," Detective Sergeant Jeff Little told AAP. 

NSW Police say they have received varying accounts of the evening from Ms Melville and have not ruled out Mr Fenwick's win on the pokies at Wests Nelson Bay club on January 30th as a potential factor in his disappearance. 

A $500,000 reward for information which leads to an arrest in the suspected murder of Steven Fenwick has been announced by the NSW Police. 

Steven Fenwick has been missing for 12 months

Local MP says Singleton Drought Assistance Snub Echos the Sport Grants Scandal

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Morrison Government has been accused of using drought assistance funds for political gain after Singleton missed out on financial assistance despite supposedly less eligible communities receiving millions in grants.

With 11 percent of the workforce employed in the agricultural sector, drought-affected Singleton falls short of the 17 percent requirement to receive government funding - yet six other local government areas that also fell short received aid through the Drought Communities Program.

State Member for Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon has claimed the then-Regional Services Minister Bridget McKenzie - currently embroiled in a similar sports grants scandal - ignored the program's eligibility guidelines to pork-barrel electorates in the lead-up to the 2019 election.

Of 14 councils that received million dollar grants, 13 belonged to Coalition seats.

"The numbers don't stack up - clearly Singleton's agriculture and processing workforce is sufficiently high to be receiving this money, and I'm demanding the government step up."

Mr Fitzgibbon says the Singleton community was left trying to understand why they had been excluded from funding.

"The answer is that the criteria of the DCP was not evenly applied. Bridget McKenzie controlled the Drought Communities Program and ensured many drought-affected communities could not access the $1 million grants. This Government has lost the bush."

Staff Threatened with Knife at Aberdare Service Station

Police are investigating an armed robbery of a service station at Aberdare on Wednesday morning, where a man threatened an attendant with a knife.

Just before 6am the man entered the service station on Aberdare Road, threatening a 31-year-old staff member, before taking cash and cigarettes and fleeing onto a dirt bike where a second man was waiting.

The bike was last seen riding along Aberdare Road.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward.

Both men were last seen wearing motorbike helmets, with dark clothing and their faces covered.

Hundreds of Students Potentially Exposed to Deadly Asbestos at Newcastle East Public School

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hundreds of students, staff and cleaners have potentially been exposed to deadly friable asbestos in a historic building at Newcastle East Public school. 

The friable loose-fill asbestos was found on rafters of the building as work was underway during the school holidays, replacing the deteriorating roof due the presence of bonded asbestos.

Parents were today notified that asbestos had been detected in the schools heritage building, with a total decontamination undertaken and school property removed, including library books which tested positive for the asbestos. 

Newcastle MP, Tim Crackanthorp, says he was told there wasn't any asbestos present in any Newcastle electorate schools, including Newcastle East Public School when he addressed the issue with Education Minister Sarah Mitchell  in September 2019. 

“We need to know how many kids have been exposed and what supports are available to staff and parents now that they are having to deal with this news," he said. 

Photo Credit: Newcastle East Public School P&C Facebook page

Many Novacastrians Paying More for Electricity Bills this Week

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Some Newcastle residents will be paying more for electricity this week, following a number of letters being sent out by Energy Australia warning of a price hike.

Newcastle MP, Sharon Claydon said she was contacted by a number of residents who received letters from Energy Australia, warning of the increase as a result of increasing supply costs.

Energy Australia states in the letter, "After two years of holding prices flat while supply costs have increased significantly, we've made the difficult decision to adjust our prices with inflation."

The MP is criticizing the Federal Government for asserting energy prices are going down, when whole sale power prices have apparently risen by more than 20 percent since the appointment of Energy Minister Angus Taylor in August 2018.

"At a time when electricity disconnections are already at record highs, and we've got incomes stagnating or indeed going backwards in some cases, another spike in electricity costs will just be the straw that breaks the camels back," she said.

Sharon Claydon says more focus on renewable energies would help combat these price hikes.

"We're in this crazy situation where we've got an incredible wealth of renewable resources in Australia, we could be riding a wave of renewable energy investment and forcing those power prices down," she said.

"But instead investment in renewable energy plummeted by more than 60 percent in the last year."

Wallsend Flood Mitigation Project Surging Ahead

BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

A multi-million dollar program is underway in Wallsend with the City of Newcastle starting a number of projects to fortify the suburb against floodwaters and improve public amenities.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said a major piece of the plan recently hit a $3.3 million dollar milestone as the Tyrrell Street bridge nears completion.

Councillor Nelmes says, "the Wallsend community has been hit hard on a number of occasions during the past decade from flash flooding.

"This is why we prioritised this $3.3 million project in what is a long term, generational change project in Wallsend."

The long-term program aims to restore aging infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, lighting and drainage throughout the town centre.

Other key upgrades include free Wi-Fi and updated pedestrian and cycle routes.

Ms Nelmes also said Wallsend's flood mitigation project and public domain plan form one long-term vision to allow the town centre to thrive as the population grows in our western suburbs.

Further engagement with the Wallsend community will be undertaken in the first half of 2020 to refine the masterplan at key locations.

City of Newcastle Project Manager Andrew Wood, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillor Matt Byrne

School Zone Speeding Fines Prompt Newcastle Safety Survey

BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

Local MPs have launched school safety surveys to mitigate the risks to children after recent Revenue NSW data was released.

Last financial year (2018/2019), 203 fines were issued to drivers for speeding in school zones. 162 school zone speeding fines have already been issued this financial year and local members are calling upon parents to respond and help make changes.

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, says he's astounded at the number of drivers who are willing to break the law in school zones and risk the lives of children.

He says, "there are many other ways we can make the journey to and from school safer for our kids and this survey will identify what can be done."

State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison have also lent their voices to the cause and asked parents to participate.

Ms Aitchison says, "some feel even a walk to a bus stop is fraught with danger and they feel they have no alternative than a daily drop-off. this is all made more complicated due to inadequate parking and people disobeying signage."

Parents, carers, teachers and residents can complete the survey by visiting the websites below.

Newcastle:            https://www.nswschoolsafety.com/newcastle
Wallsend:              https://www.nswschoolsafety.com/wallsend
Maitland:              https://www.nswschoolsafety.com/maitland

      Photo Credit: NRMA 

Singleton Misses Out Again On Federal Drought Funding

BY IAN CROUCH

Farmers in Singleton have again been left in the lurch as they battle the crippling drought.

The local government area has been left out of the latest round of Drought Communities Funding from the Federal Government because it doesn't qualify despite most of it's land area being devoted to primary production. It's the second time the shire has missed out on the assistance package which aims to fund drought projects in affected communities.

Federal criteria requires 17 percent of the local workforce to be agriculture workers - Singleton has 11-point-1 percent.

Mayor Sue Moore says the shire is just as deserving of the drought funding as Muswellbrook, which meets the criteria,  and has invited Prime Minister Scott Morrison to come and see the impacts of the drought for himself.

Meanwhile, Hunter MP and Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Resources, Joel Fitzgibbon says it's another slap in the face to Hunter Valley farming communities.

"Singleton is the same country as Muswellbrook, with the same climate and the same drought. They are separated only by a line on the map, yet Muswellbrook Shire was included in the Drought Communities Program last year, and Singleton is still excluded," he said.

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore Picture lgfocus.com.au

Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon

Man Arrested Following Pursuit In Newcastle East

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court next month over an early-morning pursuit in Newcastle.

Just before 1.30am on Wednesday, officers spotted a Toyota Camry being driven erratically and tried to pull it over when it allegedly ran a red light at Cooks Hill.

The car continued for another 500 metres down Dawson Street before colliding with a parked Hyundai van and crashing into a fence on Parkway Avenue.

The 24-year-old driver fled, running into a storm water pipe for about 300 metres before he was arrested.

He's been charged with drive in a manner dangerous and police pursuit and is due nto appear ion Newcastle Local Court on February 20.

The crashed car in Parkway Avenue

Police Seek Man With Mullet After Lake Macquarie Bushfires

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police want to speak to a middle aged man who they believe can assist with their inquiries over three deliberately lit fires last week.

Around 4.40pm on Thursday a fire broke out in the Glenrock State Conservation Area near Burwood Road at Kahibah.

While crews were battling the flames, two other fires ignited beside the Fernleigh Track.

A man was seen standing next to the track watching the firefighting effort.

He's described as being in his 40's of Caucasian appearance, 170 centimetres tall with a solid build and scruffy dark brown hair in a mullet style cut.

The fire in the Glenrock State Conservation Park last Thursday.

Elderly Couple Assaulted At Scone

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help from the public to find a woman who assaulted an elderly couple at Scone.

Around 10 o'clock on Sunday night the man and woman aged 84 and 86 were putting rubbish in the bin outside their home on Guernsey Street when an unknown woman started verbally abusing them from across the road.

Police say the woman then crossed the road and assaulted the pair, with the man punched and kicked to the ground and the woman pushed to the ground before the attacker ran off.

The couple were taken to Maitland Hospital and treated for cuts and bruising.

Muswellbrook Police particularly want to hear from anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of the incident.

Stolen Motorcycles, Drugs and Weapons seized from Singleton Home

A man has been arrested after several stolen motorcycles, drugs and weapons were found in his Singleton home.

Police allege the motorcycle was stolen from a home in Singleton during an aggravated break and enter on Wednesday the 22nd of January.

The 26-year-old man was arrested at his home on Buchan Avenue where police seized the motorcycle.


Police  returned to the property and executed a search warrant where they located and seized a further three motorcycles believed to be stolen, along with cannabis, cash, a firearm and a gel blaster.

He was taken to Singleton Police Station and charged with several driving offences,  granted conditional bail to face Singleton Local Court on Thursday the 27th of February 2020.

Woman Arrested in Islington for High Range Drink Driving with 4-year-old in Car

A woman will face court next month charged with high-range drink driving in Newcastle on Thursday night, with a four-year-old child in the car.

At around 6pm on Thursday the 23rd of  January 2020, the 44-year-old woman was allegedly driving erratically along Fern Street in Islington.


Officers from Newcastle City Police District and NSW Ambulance paramedics were called a short time later and spoke with the woman.


The woman was subjected to a roadside breath test which allegedly returned a positive result, and was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station. 

She was subjected to a breath analysis which allegedly returned a reading of 0.222 and charged with high-range PCA.

She was granted conditional bail to face Newcastle Local Court on Thursday the 13th of  February 2020.


The child is being cared for by family members.

Bushfires Threaten Homes At Kahibah And Charlestown

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews have saved dozens of homes under threat from bushfires in Lake Macquarie.

A fire broke out during hot and windy conditions in the Glenrock State Conservation Area just after 4.30pm on Thursday.

It came within 130 metres of homes in Burwood Road at Kahibah, with crews able to use the Fernleigh Track as a natural fire break.

It's now list at Advice Level after burning through 3 hectares.

Meanwhile residents in Whitburn Close at Charlestown had a close call when a bushfire which broke out near the inner City Bypass just after 6.00pm quickly spread to their back fences.

Newcastle Fire Command says 10 fire trucks from across Lake Macquarie and Newcastle attended the fire.

It tore through 2 hectares and destroyed a shed before being brought under control.

Firefighters were also called to a bushfire which broke out near industrial lane off Johnson Avenue at Kurri Kurri at about 3.45pm on Thursday.

8 fire trucks attended the blaze, with crews taking 4 hours to extinguish and black out the fire.

A firefighter tackles the flames in the Glenrock State Conservation Area. Picture Merewether Fire & Rescue 

Flames lick at the backyards of homes in Whitburn Close at Charlestown. Picture: Sarah Farley

Man Arrested over 'Online Hay Scam' which Targeted Hunter Valley and Port Stephens Farmers

BY ISABEL EVERETT

NSW Police Rural Crime Investigators have arrested a man behind an 'online hay scam' which was targeting drought stricken farmers across the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens areas.

Investigations were launched earlier this week following reports of a man advertising hay bales on social media for a discounted price, taking an initial deposit for the fodder, but not delivering any product.

Police received reports of victims in the Mid North Coast, the Hunter Valley, the Southern Highlands, the Hills, and the Oxley, Nepean, and Port Stephens areas.

The 27-year-old man was arrested at his Villawood home at around 7:40am this morning and was taken to Fairfield Police Station where he is expected to be charged. 

21-year-old Woman Arrested over Fatal Crash in Raymond Terrace

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A woman is due to face court next month over a fatal crash which occurred in Raymond Terrace last year. 

The 21-year-old women's blue Toyota Corolla was travelling southbound along Richardson Road, and collided with a red Holden Astra travelling in the northbound lane, on the 8th of  December 2019, resulting in the death of a 58-year-old man.

The passenger of the Astra, a 62-year-old woman and the 21-year-old woman were both taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment of their injuries. 

Following investigations the young woman was arrested yesterday, charged with a number of offences including, driving in a dangerous manner occasioning death, negligent driving, not keeping left of the dividing line and driving with an illicit drug in her system. 

She was granted conditional bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday the 24th of February 2020.

Hunter Valley Grape Vintage Decimated By Bushfire Smoke

BY IAN CROUCH

Iconic Hunter Valley wine company, Tyrrell's Wines has all but written off this year's vintage due to bushfire smoke taint.

In a statement, Managing Director, Bruce Tyrrell says the drought and smoke taint would result in a grape crush of 80 percent below normal.

The smoke has particularly affected red varieties giving them a dirty ash tray characteristic.

However, the company expects to produce its premium Belford semillon and chardonnay wines.

Grapes from affected vineyards won't be wasted and will instead be used as mulch and feed for cattle on Tyrrell's properties.

Tyrrell's Managing Director Bruce Tyrrell. Picture: tyrrells.com.au

Milton Orkopoulos Faces Court Accused Of Parole Breaches

BY IAN CROUCH

Former Swansea Mp and convicted paedophile, Milton Oorkopoulos has faced court accused of breaching his parole conditions.

It's alleged the 62-year-old opened an Instagram account on January 5 but only notified authorities 3 days later.

A second charge allegedly relates to talking to a child while on a telephone call with one of his adult children.

The matter has been adjourned until February 5.

Meanwhile the State Parole Board met yesterday and has reserved its decision on whether to revoke the former MP's parole until the outcome of the court proceedings.

Milton Orpkopoulos faced Waverely Court on Wednesday. Picture dailytelegraph.com.au

UPDATE! Lawyers say Convicted Paedophile and Former Swansea MP Milton Orkopoulos is "Confused and Nervous " about New Charges

BY IAN CROUCH

The Lawyer of former Swansea MP and convicted pedophile, Milton Orkopoulos, says he is "confused and nervous" about his arrest this morning.

The 62-year-old was arrested at 7.00am on Wednesday at Malabar and is being held at Maroubra Police Station .

Lawyer, Omar Juweinat, told the AAP,  "It sounds like it relates to, and I am yet to formally find out, his use of electronic devices and possible the use of an application called WhatsApp." 

"As one could expect, (Orkopoulos) is really confused and nervous about the dilemma he is currently facing."

AAP reports the arrest is not related to any breach of parole conditions.

EARLIER

Former Swansea MP and convicted paedophile, Milton Orkopoulos faces more time behind bars after allegedly breaching parole.

The 62-year-old was released from Long Bay Gaol in December after serving more than 10 years for child drug and sex offences.

It's alleged he set up a social media account without approval.

Authorities discovered the breach when he told them he was trying to find online content about Portuguese soccer star Christiano Ronaldo.

Orkopolous is due to face court on March 4 accused of failing to comply with reporting conditions.

Milton Orkopoulos Leaving Long Bay Gaol In December. Picture Bianca Di Marchi

Senior Williamtown RAAF Officer Charged With Child Procurement

BY IAN CROUCH

A senior officer from the Williamtown RAAF base is set to face court today (Wednesday 22 January, 2020) accused of procuring a child for sex.

News Limited reports Military Police helped detectives from Strike Force Trawler arrest the 48-year-old man at the base on Tuesday afternoon.

Detectives began engaging with the man online in December.

Police will allege the man believed he was speaking with a 13-year-old girl and engaged in conversations about sexually explicit acts he wished to perform on the child and sent sexually-explicit material.

Police also searched the man's home at Medowie, where detectives allegedly seized laptops, mobile phones and electronic storage devices.

He's been refused bail to face Raymond Terrace Court today charged with using a carriage service to procure a child under 16 for sex and two counts of posses/control child abuse material using a carriage service.

Port of Newcastle Included in Stockton Erosion Discussion

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

The Port of Newcastle is being asked to bring more to the table in addressing beach erosion at Stockton.

The Port has been included in calls from some residents for a joint-effort approach addressing the causes of Stockton beach erosion as the replenishment effort continues.

Stage Two of Newcastle Council's beach nourishment project is set to be completed this year with most of the sand from Stage One having now settled away from the beach.

Experts say there isn't cause for concern after most of the 5,500 tonnes of sand replaced at Stockton beach washed out to sea in the space of a month.

The first stage of Newcastle Council's beach nourishment project was completed in December, but almost all of the sand has now moved away from the beach itself.

Earth Sciences Conjoint Professor with the University of Newcastle, Doctor Ron Boyd, says although it appears the sand has been lost, it's actually been redistributed.

He says this redistribution will help combat the beach erosion crisis.

"It's actually very good to have a wide surf zone, because the waves then break further from the shore, and they dissipate their energy before they get right up close to the shore," he said.

"If you don't have any new shore sand, then the waves break very close to the beach and dune lines and then they can exacerbate further erosion."

A spokesperson from Newcastle Council says the movement of sand was expected, and more sand will be added this year.

"A second stage involving placement of sand north of the Lexie’s Café accessway, adjacent to the Surf Club, is expected to be undertaken in 2020 subject to further approvals," the Newcastle Council Spokesperson said.

The Port of Newcastle this week became the first in Australia to be certified by EcoPorts for its environmental management, but is facing some criticism over its level of involvement in addressing the causes of beach erosion.

Dr Boyd says the Port's role in causing beach erosion isn't being addressed enough.

"The amount of money that's required to solve the beach erosion problem at Stockton that arise from the port infrastructure is a real drop in the ocean compared to the billions of dollars each year that is made through the port. So I really think that there should be a much more active role"

But, a Port of Newcastle spokesperson says it's been working cooperatively with Council and the State Government to find a solution to the erosion issues, and provides around 25,000 cubic-metres of sand dredged from the shipping channel entrance to Stockton annually.

"While Stockton Beach is outside the port lease, Port of Newcastle has been following the erosion issue and recognises it as a matter of concern for the Stockton community as well as the broader community," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also says the port contributes technical knowledge to the NSW Government's efforts to address the erosion.

"Port of Newcastle shares the community’s interest in finding an appropriate solution.

"To that end, Port of Newcastle has been working cooperatively with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and the City of Newcastle – the government agencies that have responsibility and oversight for Stockton Beach – since the port lease commenced in 2014," the spokesperson said.

President of Stockton's Northside Boardriders Club, Simon Jones, says sand dumps are only a temporary fix and a thorough look at the causes is needed.

He suggests a stronger joint effort between the Port of Newcastle, the State Government, and Newcastle Council is needed to address erosion long term.

"I think if we're going to get a resolution, that's certainly the pathway we need to take," he said.

Mr Jones says while the infrastructure is government-owned, there is concern over the impact of the operations of the port on Stockton sands. But he says all the stakeholders need to make sure the issue is addressed correctly.

"I know it's quite frustrating to a lot of people to see more meetings and more studies, and think, 'Why isn't anybody doing anything now?'. But if we want to get something done and we want it to work, I think it needs to be done the first time and that does, I guess, take time," Mr Jones said.

The Port of Newcastle spokesperson says it already actively contributes to address the issue.

"While Port of Newcastle is not a government agency, we are committed to continuing to share our technical knowledge.

"It is important to note that the breakwaters are a NSW Government asset with construction dating back to the late 1800s. Similarly, the construction of Macquarie Pier to link Nobbys to the mainland dates back to the early 1800s," the spokesperson said.

The Port of Newcastle says it is actively involved in addressing the erosion of Stockton Beach. Image: Port of Newcastle

Free Legal Clinic Kicks off Tomorrow for Hunter Community and Bush Fire Victims

BY EL FITCHETT

The University of Newcastle's annual 'Law on the Beach' pop-up clinic is kicking off on Wednesday the 22nd of January, offering free legal advice on all law matters, including bush fire insurance claims.

Staffed by lawyers, law and social work students, 'Law on the Beach' takes place at the Merewether Surf Life Saving Club each year aiming to improve accessibility to legal services.

Local solicitor Sarah Breusch is the  Deputy Director of the University of Newcastle Legal Centre and one of the organisers of this years pop-up clinic.

"We hold it at the beach to get out into the community," Sarah Breusch says.

This year the beach-side clinic will also provide specific support for locals facing the prospect of claiming insurance after devastating bush fires ravaged properties across New South Wales, including in the Hunter.

"After the bush fires, people may have questions relating to insurance claims, or accommodation issues, or a range of things that may have come up as a result of the natural disasters we've been having," Sarah Breusch says.

'Law on the Beach' staff can advise community members on a wide range of legal matters. 

Last year, the University of Newcastle Legal Centre opened the Older Persons Legal Clinic which provides free legal advise to elderly members of the community.

The 'Law on the Beach' pop-up clinic will offer another opportunity for people to get advice regarding elder abuse and care issues.

"It doesn't matter what sort of legal problem people have, they are welcome to come along and get some free legal advice," Sarah Breusch says.

The clinic also provides an opportunity for current law students to get practical experience with real clients under the guidance of professional lawyers.

"Law students are commencing their practical legal training as part of their law degree," Sarah Breusch says of the clinic.

Students will conduct interviews with clients, after which they will explain the issues to a qualified solicitor who then accompanies the student and provides legal advice back to the client.

All personal information is kept confidential by both the students and solicitors.

The 'Law on the Beach' clinic will operate weekly every Wednesday from the 22nd of January  until the 19th of February between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

Image courtesy of University of Newcastle

Online Scam Targeting Drought Stricken Farmers across the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens

Farmers across the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens are being warned about reports of an online scam involving the sale of hay bales.

Police have received numerous reports of a person advertising hay bales on social media for a discounted price, the seller has taken an initial deposit for the fodder but has not delivered any product.

Police have received reports from the Mid North Coast, the Hunter Valley, the Southern Highlands, the Hills, and the Oxley, Nepean, and Port Stephens areas.


NSW Police’s Rural Crime Investigators have established Strike Force Woden to investigate reports of the fraud. 


NSW Police Force State Rural Crime Coordinator, Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside, urged farmers and landholders to take extra care when purchasing fodder, water and other supplies to get them through the drought.

“These are difficult times, and it’s disgusting to think anyone would seek to take advantage of people who have already been through so much,” Detective Inspector Whiteside said.

“I would encourage anyone buying supplies online to only deal with people and businesses that have proven to be genuine in the past."

“Where possible, it is best to only hand over money until the goods are in your possession, and of course, the age old saying applies – if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”

Detective Inspector Whiteside also appealed for anyone who thought they may have fallen victim to the scam to come forward and report it and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Dangerous Spikes Found On Lake Macquarie Walking Track

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has made a shocking discovery during his afternoon run at Bolton Point.

The man's foot brushed a pile of leaves on Alexander's Trail in the State Conservation Park on Monday afternoon revealing several homemade booby traps made of wine corks pierced with nails.

The man found two more piles of  leaves with the spike-ladden corks a little further down the track.

They are similar to historic weapons known as caltrops.

Lake Macquarie police have launched an investigation into the discovery and are urging anyone who may have information or who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area to contact Toronto Police on (02) 4088 1099 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Kangaroos Deliberately Injured At Muswellbrook

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help to find those responsible for deliberately injuring three kangaroos at Muswellbrook.

Officers were called to Wollombi Park around 8.00am on Sunday where a bushwalker found the roos seriously injured in scrubland.

Police say initial inquiries suggest two of the roos may have been deliberately run over a by a vehicle while a third kangaroo, which was found deceased, had suffered a wound to the chest.

It's believed the other two roos have since died.

Investigators are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage in the area at the time to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

BREAKING! Man in Critical Condition after Head on Collision Crash at Gillieston Heights

A male driver remains in a critical condition following a head on collision involving a truck and car at Gillieston Heights near Maitland on Cessnock Road.

The male driver remains with the medical team on scene, suffering a traumatic head injury, cuts to his hands and legs and suffered a  medical episode following the incident.

He will be transported to John Hunter Hospital by road.

The truck driver sustained minor injuries.

The road is closed in both directions with motorists urged to use an alternate route.

Anyone travelling between Kurri Kurri and Maitland are advised to use the Hunter Expressway, John Renshaw Drive and New England Highway instead. 

Six Ambulance crews and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were called to the incident at around 9.40am.

Emergency service and traffic crews remain on scene.

Welcome Rain Hit And Miss In The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

Some areas in the Hunter received a drenching during Thursday's spectacular electrical storms while other areas only saw light falls.

Bulladelah topped the list in the Hunter with 78 millimetres while 71 millimetres fell in the space of half an hour at Tomago and Waratah recorded 14 millimetres.

However, areas around Cessnock and Lake Macquarie had very little if any rainfall.

Up the Valley, the Barringtons Bonnie Doon weather station recorded 62 millimetres while Parkville and Cressfield.had 35, Denman had 27 and Scone 19.

The SES received 20 calls for assistance, with lightening and strong winds bringing down trees and power lines.

More than 10,000 lightning strikes were recorded in the Hunter during the storms.

Fire crews were called to a home in Anna Place at Wallsend after it was struck by lightening just before 5.30pm.

Firefighters took about an hour to extinguish smouldering insulation batts in the roof - the rest of the house was undamaged.

Ausgrid says power has been restored to more than 10,000 homes and businesses blacked out during the storms.

More showers and storms are forecast for Friday and the weekend.

Ausgrid says more than 10,000 customers lost power in the Hunter during Thursday's storms Picture: abc.net.au

BREAKING! Trio Sought Over Carjacking At Wallsend

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are searching for three people involved in a violent carjacking at Wallsend.

A 31-year-old man was returning to the Ibis Hotel on Thomas Street at 2.00am on Friday when he was set upon by 2 men and a woman in the car park.

The trio made off with the man's silver Honda Civic.

The man suffered a nasty cut to the head during the incident and was taken by ambulance to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

Police say it's believed the victim and his attackers knew each other.

30-year-old-man transferred to John Hunter Hospital after car falls on top of him

A 30-year-old man has been transported to John Hunter Hospital after a car fell on top of him whilst working underneath it, near Teralba on Thursday at around 12pm.   

An Ambulance NSW spokesperson says a car jack reportedly collapsed  trapping him under the vehicle on Enterprise Way at Woodrising. 

The vehicle was removed from on top of the man, and he was treated for sternum and rib pain, but remains conscious and breathing. 

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to the scene but was called off. 

UPDATE! Man and Woman Transferred to John Hunter and Heavy Traffic Delays Following Crash at Tarro

A man and a women have been transferred to John Hunter Hospital, following a  truck and car crash just past Hexham bridge towards Maitland which is causing major delays on the New England and Pacific Highway this afternoon. 

One person was trapped within their vehicle but has now been removed.


Paramedics treated a 63-year-old woman passenger for spinal, abdominal, pelvic and leg injuries, she was transported to John Hunter in a serious but stable condition.  


The  66-year-old man sustained abdominal injuries and a fractured ankle and was taken to hospital in a  stable condition. 


Crash investigation units and Emergency services remain on scene, and the highway is closed in a North Bound Direction, with South Bound Traffic also affected.


Motorists travelling North from Newcastle are being urged to use Cormorant Road and Nelson Bay road through Kooragang instead.


Motorists travelling west from Newcastle should use the Hunter Express Motorway instead. 
 Raymond Terrace Police say the crash may have occurred due to wet weather.

Southbound motorists on the Hexham bridge trying to access the M1 should use Maitland Road through Sandgate, Newcastle Inner City Bypass to Jesmond and Newcastle link road. 

Motorists are also advised to follow the directions of emergency services and exercise caution due to the rain and reduced visibility in the area.


Police and Fire and Rescue crews are on scene working to clear the road and have set up contraflow.

4pm UPDATE! Around 10,400 customers currently affected by Power Outages across Newcastle and the Hunter

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Around 10,400 customers are currently affected by power outages in the Newcastle area. 

An Ausgrid spokes person says around ten thousand lighting strikes have hit the Hunter, with strong winds and falling power lines  impacting the electricity network this afternoon

The main areas of concern include Mayfield West where around 2200 customers are without power,
1600 in Tighes Hill, 3500 in Raymond Terrace, 950 at Tanilba bay and around 900 at Tarro.

Customers in Woodberry,  Karuah, Glendale, Wallsend, Heatherbrae, Swan Bay have also been affected.

Power has been restored to Cardiff, Cardiff Heights and Elermore Vale. 

An Ausgrid spokes person says emergency crews are responding to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.

 "It's a mixture of issues, the guys have to get there and work out what the problem is and fix it. It's really hard to predict but they are working as quickly and as safely as possible."

Ausgrid is asking residents to stay safely clear of any fallen power lines.

 The company is also urging people to take care around storm debris or fallen trees and branches which can hide electrical hazards like fallen power lines.

Ausgrids are reminding Hunter residents to assume fallen wires assume are live, never approach them, and stay at least 8 metres away and to report any fallen wires to  Ausgrid on 131388.

BREAKING! Crash Blocks New England Highway South of Muswellbrook

BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been called to a serious crash on the New England Highway south of Muswellbrook.

A vehicle overturned near the intersection of Hebden Road at Ravensworth just before 5.00am on Thursday, blocking the highway in both directions.

A 20-year-old man has been released from the vehicle - he's suffered a deep head wound and a suspected broken right arm.

It's understood the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter has also been called to the scene.

$500,000 Reward for Information on Disappearance of Steven Fenwick from Fern Bay

A $500,000 reward has been announced for information into the disappearance and suspected murder of Steven Fenwick, who went missing near Newcastle almost 12-months ago.  

Steven 'Feno' Fenwick, aged 33, was last confirmed seen exiting a bus on Nelson Bay Road in Fern Bay at around 1pm on the 30th of January 2019. 

Numerous searches and public appeals have been conducted since then, with detectives from Newcastle City Police District establishing Strike Force Kummari to investigate his disappearance.

The NSW Government announced the $500,00 reward today for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Stevens suspected homicide.


Strike Force Kummari Officer in Charge, Detective Sergeant Jeff Little, said it’s hoped the reward will bring some fresh information forward to detectives.

“As we approach the 12-month mark of Steven’s disappearance, we believe there are people out there who can fill in the blanks with his final movements,” Det Sgt Little said.

“It’s been a year of uncertainty for the Fenwick family, and we want to get the answers Steven deserves.”

As the one-year anniversary nears, Steven’s mother Debbie has once again reached out for any information which may lead to finding Steven.

“Every day without answers is another day of heartache and confusion – we just want to know what happened,” Ms Fenwick said.

“Please, if you know anything which may help detectives, it could make a world of difference.”

As investigations into Strike Force Kummari continue, anyone who may have information about Steven’s disappearance is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station on (02) 4929 0999 or Crime Stoppers.

                                         Detective Sergeant Jeff Little Picture: Ian Crouch

Steven Fenwick has been missing for almost 12 months